Thursday, December 27, 2007

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn.  (Dec. 27, 2007) - ETSU men's basketball coach Murry Bartow announced Thursday that sophomore post Blake Mishler (Metamora, Ill.) has decided to transfer.

"We wish Blake nothing but the best," said Bartow, whose team is 5-7 on the season and preparing to return to non-conference play Sunday at home against Appalachian State. "It was simply a family decision. He's very homesick and wants to be closer to home."

Mishler, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward, had played in 11 of the Bucs' 12 games this season, averaging 10.5 minutes of floor time, scoring 2.7 points and grabbing 2.0 rebounds a game. He said the move was simply a personal decision.

"I really like the coaches, the area and the fans, but I personally felt like it would be better for me to be closer to home," Mishler said. "I wish the team the best. I hope they repeat as champions this year and make the NCAAs."

The Bucs, whose tough non-conference slate ranks 28th nationally in strength of schedule, will tip off against Appalachian State at 3 p.m. Sunday. Fans unable to attend the game can listen on the MSHA Buccaneer Sports Network, and the contest will be available live on video streaming at ASun.TV.

For more on ETSU men's basketball throughout the 2007-08 season, visit ETSUBucs.com.